Pickleball Injuries Are Skyrocketing: Here’s How to Reduce Your Risk
Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., bringing in players of all ages and skill levels. But with the rise in popularity comes a spike in injuries, especially among older athletes. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself from the most common pickleball-related injuries.
Why Are Pickleball Injuries on the Rise?
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that requires quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and bursts of energy—all of which can put stress on your body. As the sport grows in popularity, many recreational players are jumping into the game without proper conditioning or preparation, leading to an increase in injuries like:
- Sprains and strains: Especially in the ankles, knees, and wrists.
- Tennis elbow: Overuse of the arm during repetitive paddling motions can lead to tendon inflammation.
- Rotator cuff injuries: Quick overhead movements, especially from serving and returning shots, can strain the shoulder.
- Achilles tendonitis: Sudden directional changes and quick starts can cause stress on the lower leg.
- Back and hip pain: The stop-and-go nature of the game can lead to lower back or hip discomfort.
How to Protect Yourself on the Court
While the risk of injury is real, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of getting hurt while enjoying this exciting sport. Here’s how to stay safe:
1. Warm Up Properly
Before hitting the court, take at least 10 minutes to stretch and warm up. Focus on dynamic stretches that mimic pickleball movements, such as leg swings, lunges, and arm circles. A good warm-up prepares your muscles, joints, and ligaments for action, reducing the risk of sprains and strains.
2. Strengthen Your Muscles
Building strength in key areas, especially your legs, core, and shoulders, can help support your joints and improve your performance. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and resistance band work to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
3. Wear Supportive Gear
Wearing the right gear can make all the difference in injury prevention. Our supportive products, such as knee sleeves, elbow braces, and ankle supports, are designed to stabilize your joints while offering relief from existing pain. The targeted compression helps increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, allowing you to stay active for longer.
4. Practice Proper Footwork
Footwork is crucial in pickleball. Focus on staying low to the ground, maintaining a wide stance, and using your entire body to move—not just your legs. This helps distribute stress more evenly and avoids overworking one area, such as your knees or ankles.
5. Take Rest Days
Rest is just as important as practice. Overuse is one of the leading causes of injuries in pickleball, especially for players who want to play daily. Schedule rest days between intense sessions to give your muscles and joints time to recover.
6. Use Copper-Infused Compression Gear
At Copper Compression, we offer a range of copper-infused gear to help you recover faster and stay injury-free. Our products, like the PowerKnit Knee Sleeve or Elbow Sleeve, provide targeted compression to relieve pain, improve circulation, and support your body while playing. By reducing strain on vulnerable areas, you can focus on your game without worrying about injury.
Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and socialize, but like any sport, it comes with its risks. By taking the right precautions and using gear designed to support your body, you can reduce your chances of injury and keep enjoying the game for years to come.
Stay safe, stay strong, and stay in the game with Copper Compression.
